Scarborough's North Bay Pier was opened in 1869. It was part of 'Pier Mania' that was sweeping coastal resorts after the first 'leisure pier' was opened in Blackpool in 1863 and Brighton's West Pier in 1866. The piers could be used to embark on steam packet trips around the coast or just for pleasure, strolling, sunbathing and being entertained.
Many of England's 100 piers, including ours, were designed by the famous Victorian Engineer Eugenius Birch, who also designed the Aquarium in the South Bay.
Scarborough pier cost £6000, much of it raised from local businesses. Sadly because the Marine Drive had not been built there were far fewer tourists in the North Bay and so it made a loss. Bankruptcy followed and it was sold for £1240. The Borough Council landscaped the undercliff area installing a road between Peasholm Gap and the pier. The 'Royal Albert Drive' was opened in 1890. The pier was redecked and electric lights installed with kiosks at the land end. This cost £10,000. Unfortunately the pier was destroyed by a huge storm in January 1905, three years before the Marine Drive opened.
Photos courtesy of Scarborough Archaeological & Historical Society Commanet Collection
